Combination lock



June 26, 195i R. E. LEHMAN 2,558,619

COMBINATION LOCK Filed May 27, 1948 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 l il 30 A 22 ,i la Z5 35A 2f Fly-1 ATTORNEYS R. E. I EHMAN COMBINATION LOCK June 26, 1951 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 27, 1948 2259.11. Figi@ w. mn mi f .e /N 9 O 6 C L S m /7 /o 8 /O Patented .une 2.5.6,y `195i UNITED Y STATES ATENT OFFIC COMBINATION Look lRoscoe E. Lehman, Hagerstown, Md.-

Application May 27, 1948, Serial No. 29,573

10'Clams.

1 The object of the invention is to provide ka combination lock in which the combination may be quickly changed, if desired, Vor so arranged that few or numerous stepsmay be made necessary for its operation; to provide a combination I lock in which, if a mistake be made in carrying out the several steps, Vthe operating'means may be returned instantly to their original positions; to provide, in-such a construction, for the actuation of any or all of the control elements in such a manner that the device may be locked so as not to be releasable by carrying out any possible combination steps; and generally to provide a combination lock which is of simple construction, so that it may be manufactured` comparatively cheaply, and which is'of sturdy form, so that failure inservice is a remote possibility.

With this object in View, the invention consists in a construction and combination of parts of which preferred embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure l is a front elevational view `of one form of the invention; l 1

Figure 2 is a rear elevational view of the structure of Figure 1; I

Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the struc-v ture of Figurerl; v l

Figure 4 is a sectional view on the plane indicated by the line 4--4 of Figure 1;

Figures 5 and 6 are sectional views on the planes indicated respectively by the lines 5-5 and 5-6 of Figure 4;

Figure 7 is a detail sectional view in the plane of the axis of one of the selectors showing'the operative position of the latter under one adjustment; f f

Y Figure 8 is a sectional view similar `to thatof Figure 7 but showing the selector under axial movement ofthe mover; s; L z

s Figure. 9 is a detail perspective' viewof aselector; Y -V Y Y Figure 10 is a collective elevational and plan view of the selectoradjusting k'ey; Y

Figure 11 is a front elevational View of a second form of the invention; 1 I

Figure 12 is a rear elevational view of the same Figurev 13 is a view similar to thatof .Figure 11,1

but broken away to expose theinterior.; i indie' but showing the selector in the position to which ithas been advancedyandfx f Y l Y Figure 16 is a sectional view on the plane indicated bythe lineIB-.zl of Figure V14. 1 Y .Y

Y Primarily the invention comprises two relative'- ly movable members, a mover and a stator, of which one is Xed with respect to the closure to be controlled and the other -is to be operatively connected with the bolt or other latching means by which the closure is retained in closed position.

In that form of the invention illustrated in Figures 1 to 10, the stator 2l isof ring form and the mover 20 is mounted for angular or turning movement in it, such movement, however, as hereinafter explained, is limited to that necessary for the connected bolt or latching means to function.

But relative turning movement of the mover and stator is possible only when the tumblers 22 are released, these being small balls caged in pockets 23 in the mover. The tumbler balls are ejectible from the pockets into grooves 24 on the inner periphery of the stator ring, these grooves being axially arranged and having the` same 'angular spacing as the poclrets.y Ejection is eiected through the instrumentality of the selectors 2 5 which are crosssectionally circular ,and `are mounted in bores 26 of the mover. On the under sides, the pockets open laterallyv into the bores and the tumblers, when tangential to the selectors, en'- ter the grooves 24, thus precluding relative angu` lar or turning movement of the mover and stator.`

But while the selectors eiect ejection of the tumblers into the grooves 24, they also, when properly positioned, permit recession `of the former, so that the same may be free of .the grooves, thereby removing the restraint to turning movement of the mover. To this end, the selectors are each -provided with the clearance seats 21 and 28 both axially and angularly spaced, the angular spacing being preferably ninety degrees and the axial spacing that corresponding to the permissible axial movement of the selectors. Ad justment of the selectors is eected angularly but their operation is effected axially, that is, the selectors are initially set so that on some the seats 2l function while on the remainder it is the seats 28. To provide for such,'the selectors are each formed with a pair of Vparallel axially arranged grooves 29 one of Which is diametrically opposite the clearance seat 2l and the other similarly vpositioned with respect to the seat 28. The adjustment to effect functioning of the selected seat is accomplished by means of a key composed of a post 30, a linger-piece 3| at one end thereof and a pair of spaced prongs 32 at the other end. The post is of the same diameter as the selectors so as snugly to enter the bores in which they arev mounted, when the prongs 32 enter the grooves 29 -straddling the intervening rib 33.4

Turning the key, after having been once placed, effects turning of the selector. To insure the retention of any selector in position for presentation of a clearance seat to its associated tumbler, a globular detent 34a, pressed by a spring 35a, is arranged in the mover diametrically opposite each tumbler and invades the bore in which the selector is carried, thus being in position to enter one or the other of the grooves 29, depending on the adjustment of theselector, which adjustment is enected against the' pressure of the detent, the latter receding as the selector is turned. Either groove 29 engaged by a detent, while maintainsitioned with the seats 21 in registration with the slots 24, all must be actuated, if angular movement of the mover is to be possible. The selectors therefore must have relatively diierent positions if the combination is to function and adjustment for such consists in turning, by means of the key 30, one or more of the selectors, after which some will have the seats 28 registering with the slots 24 and the remainder will have the seats Zlisoiregistering. If all 'of the selectors then vbe retracted -'(which is their-normal position), those having their seats 21 set to function will v prevent the tumblers from receding from the ing the angular position of the selector, .doesnotw impede axial movement thereof.

Axial or operating movement isimpartedatothe selectors through digital members 34 which when pressed bear on the heads 35 of thesele'ctors, are flanged, as indicated at 35, are biased by y the springs 3l compressed between the flanges and the-bands 38 encircling theheadsand arehoused in counterboresf39 formed in the cap-block 40 `of 'the mover. The terminalsofthe vdigital members `protrude through openings in the cap-blockand the Aianges ,36 bear `against the shoulders formed at'the innerrends of the counterbores, thus limiting outward movement of the digital members, the inward movement of which is limited by -a .striking-plate 4|,the selectors extendingthrough the .striking-plateand the heads 35 impacting itY when Vthe selectors vare actuated.

' Thestriking-.plate isstationary axially with-respect to the stator, seating, as indicatedat 42, on a shoulder resulting from counter-boring the-stator from the outer end. It isalso stationary anf struction makes for relative axial-movement only ,i

ofthe striking-plate and mover and for relative angular movement only of the striking-plate and stator, which latter movement isvlimited to the angular .spacing v.of ythe tumblers by astop 45 carried by the -stator which abuts either-end .of

a recess 46 formed in the striking-plate by removing a segmentffrom the periphery of 'the-latter.

"The cap-block 40 whosediameter is the same as 'that of the striking-plate hasa central boss' 41 of an exterior diameter corresponding to the interior diameter `of the ring-flange. .This boss enters the ring-flange when the mover and capblock are'assem'bled and a cap-screw 48 passing centrally through the mover and threading into the boss'maintains the assembled relation, .pins 49ion'theedge of the ring-,flange entering holes in the cap-block to ensure axial alignmentof-.the digital members "and selectors;

Onthe obverse side'of'the mechanism, the digital members, andV on the reverse side, the selectors areidentie'd'with suitable characters, such as cardinals, so that a selected combination may be readily made and thereafterV identified.

In the operation of the invention, it must be borne in mind, Wlehadjusting'the selectors, that the clearance seats '28 lie in the plane of the tumblers' when the'selectors are in theirtretracted positions and that'the seats k27 lie`in'this plane whenthe selectorsare in their projected or Vforwardpositions. Therefore, if all the selectors are positioned with the seats 28 registering with the slots 24, angular movement of the moverin the stator will'be possible without actuationrof any selector. Conversely, if all the selectors are lpo- ,slots '24,and the mover will be prevented from "turning, But depressing the digital members of .these `selectors/will actuate (axially move) the latter, so that .the seats 2l Will be brought into the Aplan'eof the"tumblers, thereby allowing the same to recede. Then the mover may be turned the angular distance permitted by the recess 48 in the striking-plate, -.a .distance suiicient at least to advance thetumblers to the next succeeding-slots 2'4 and a distance .su'icient to actuate-any-connected bolt orother latching device.

The mechanism issusceptible of relocking after any angular movement .ofthe mover and this is accomplishedby movingthe mover. axially, alimited movement of y.this character v,being possible since the boss-ring-flangeconnection between the mover and the ,cap-block spaces the latter-slightly from the'former to permit axial movement-,between the .whole and the .striking-plate.

After any operationof the mover, when some of theselectors will be-retractedfandthe others-Will .have beenprojectedbodily axial movement of vthe mover will advance the retracted selectors until their'heads' impactthe striking-plate and the projected selectors .willernain stationary, being restrained by the striking-plate. YThe selectors will thus vbe brought intopositions where their yextremities are respectively in A-common planes, but where their 'functioning .clearance seats are in 'different planes.

The .axial movement .of `the mover is-.opposed by all of the springsSl which return Athe mover toits normal position after theactuating pressure has been removed. The relativepositions-of the selectors effected in ,the'axial-movement of the mover are retained.inthereturn-of the mover, since the A detents- 34a, preclude any movement .f of

the. selectors fromany-inherentcause.

The slots 24 permit the sliding of the lturnblers along themv-.inthe'axial movement of the mover and the bands f 38 -.shield -.the :shoulders formed wherethe heads-353cm the selectors thus preventing the ends of the springs finding their'way.

underqtheshouldersfand interfering vvithl the free operationV of rthe :selectors Any selector may be angularly lfadjusted'lto dispose;v -both its Y- clearance :seats "out of registration with its associated slot 24. In Such a case the detent 34a will .bearaperipherally' on thefselector and the latter will "hold :lits't'iunlcilerv engaged in its associated slot. The mechanism `will `:then be locked against operationfin any' Amanner yuntil thereturn -ofthe selec'torto a4 position where its detent'willenga-ge a'sloti29. There are'con'ditio'ns under which 'this'.expedient'will befoundv to have utility.

In that formlof fthefinvention illustratedin Ifigures 4lil .to 1,6,Ftl1'e'mo'ver isin the form of-albolt 50, and-.thecstator -iin thelfor'm of fa 'block 5fl in which the bolt is slidably'mountedandfromone end -of Awhich it rmay lbe 'projected when V'fthe finger-piece 521isfrotated. YThe linger-.piece islet- '5 tached to agshaft `53 rotatably mountedinl the lcap-block 54 and carrying on its inner. end `a blers 59 are held to preclude movement of the bolt and from which theykare released topermit bolt operation. The tumblers are caged in pockets 60 in the stator vvwhich pockets communicate both with `the boltl `slide-channel and with theselector bearings.r The selector bearings are formed in and spaced along the stator, in accordance with the spacing of the grooves 5,8.

, The selectors 6| thedigital members 62 the compression springs l63 and the detents 64 are identical in function andform with their counterparts heretofore described in,V detail. And the 'angular adjustment of the v,selectors determines which ones are to be moved axially to elect release'of the bolt for knob operation. I

VVIn this form of the invention, the selectors vare not returned to theiroriginal positions as in the form rst describedvbut by a nger-bar 65 movable in a guide-channeldin the under face of the cap-block 54. The linger-bar is. exteriorly eX,- posed'through a slot in the cap-block-and is Banged, as shown at 66, to preventejection from the cap-block by the biasing springs 61. v

The stator is formed with transverse slots having arcuate bottoms, so as to receive and permit rocking. of the rockers 68 -which are in the form of Wood'rui keysof which one end ofeach is in position to engage the shoulder formed by the head of each selector and the` other ends are in position to be engaged by the finger-bar. When a selector is actuatedfthe adjacent end of its rocker is depressed and the opposite end is raised. When the linger-bar is actuated, reverse movement is imparted to the rockers with "the result that any previously actuated selector is returned to its original position. Thus the finger-bar functions to accomplish the same result-.thatqis accomplished by bodily axial` movement of the mover in theV form shown in'Figures 1 to 10.

The cap-block is secured toV the stator by screws, as shown at 69, or other appropriate fastening means.

The invention having been described what is claimed as new and useful is:

l. A combination lock comprising operatively connected relatively movable members, a plurality of tumblers carried by the one and engageable in seats formed in the other, axially movable selectors mounted in one of said members and engageable with the tumblers to hold the latter in seat-engaging position, the selectors having clearance seats into which the tumblers may recede to be free of the seats in the seat-carrying member, and means carried by one of the members for imparting axial movement singly to the selectors either to present clearance seats to the tumblers or to retain the latter in the seats of the seat-carrying member.

2. A combination lock comprising operatively connected relatively movable members, a plurality of tumblers carried by the one and engageable in seats formed in the other, movable selectors mounted in one of said members and engageable with the tumblers to hold the latter in seatengaging position, the selectors having clearance seats into Which the tumblers may recede to be free of the seats in the seat-carrying member, and means carried by one of the members for imparting axial movement singly. to the selectors either to present clearance seats to the tumblers ory .toiretain the latter in the seats of theY seatcarrying member, the selectors being mounted to permit angular movement being imparted to any one to determine if axial movement be necessary to present a clearance seat on a particular selector,

1 3. A combination lockrcomprising operatively connected relatively movable members, a plurality yof tumblers carried by the one and engageable in vseats formed in the other, axially and angularly movable selectors mounted in one of said members and engageable with the tumblers to hold the latter in seat-engaging position, the selectors vhavingclearance seats into which the tumblers may recede towbe free of the seats in the seatf carrying member, means for imparting axial movement singly to the selectors either to present clearance seats to the tumblers Yor to retain the latter in the seats of the seat-carrying member, the selectors being mounted to permit anguiar movement being imported to anyone to determine if axial movement be necessary to present a clearance seat on a particular selector, and means incorporated in one of the members for simultaneously restoring the selectors to their original positions after actuation of any or all of them.

4; A combination lock comprising operatively .connected relatively movable members, a plurality of tumblers carried by the one and engageablein seats formed in the other, axially movable sevlectors mounted in one of said members andengageable with the tumblers to hold the latter in seat-engaging position, the selectors having clearanceseats into which the tumblers may recede to be free of the seats in the seat-carrying member, and means carried by one of theV members yfor imparting axial movement singly to theselectors either to present clearanceseats to the vtumblers or to retain the latter in the seats of the seat-carrying member, and means incorporated in one of the members Vfor simultaneously restoring the selectors to their original positions after actuation of any or all of them.

5. A combination lock comprising operatively connected relatively movable members, a plurality of tumblers carried by the one and engageable in seats formed in the other, axially and angularly movable selectors mounted in one of said members and engageable with the tumblers to hold the latter in seat engaging position, the selectors each having angularly and axially spaced clearance seats into which the tumblers may recede to be free of the seats in the seatcarrying member, and means carried by one of the members for singly imparting axial movement to the selectors, the selector being angularly adjustable to determine in each the clearance seat to be presented to its associated tumbler. l

6. A combination lock comprising operatively connected relatively movable members, a plurality of spherical tumblers carried by the one and engageable in seats formed in the other, axially movable selectors mounted in one of said members and peripherally engageable with the tumblers to hold the latter in seat engaging position, the selectors having each a clearance seat into which its associated tumbler may recede to be free from the seat of the seat-carrying member, an axially movable spring pressed digital member for each selector, and means incorporated in one of the members for simultaneously f7. Apo'mbination-ilock comprising' operatively .connected relatively-movable members, la plurality of ,Aspherical .tumblers Ycarried :by the -one landfen'gageab'le inseats :formed in theother, axially rand. angularly :movable selectors mounted in one of said members with each engageable 'with' a tumbler to hold the latter in seat-engagfirigrpositi'ori,V the -fselectors having 'each angularly farrdaxially :spaced clearance seats into Whichthe `turn'blers may recede to be free of theseats .in the seat-'carrying member, and Vmeanscarred iby one* of' the-members for singly impartingz axial V'-movement-to the'selectors, eachselector 'being zangularly'fadjustable Vso thatoneor the ;other;of its-clearance vseats "will be: presented to its associated-tumbler, and means yieldingly retaining the-selectors intheir angularly adjustedpositions Without prevention 'of 'axial movement :of ithe same.

`i8. TA combination llock*comprising operatively connected relatively` movable members, a plurality :of 'spherical tumblers *mounted in'the .ione

and 'engageable 'in seats formed .in the other,

fitsaxial movement.

9.fA combination lock comprising operatively connectedrelatively movable members, a plurality of fspherical tumblers mounted in the one land -engageable in seats formed in'the other, zang-ularlyland axially movable cross-sectionallyhcircular selectors mounted in Aone of said -members `8 and .-ta-irgent tto :the rtumblers fto` iimairrtain titre .dat/ter niseat engagingapositongthe selectors 4each having :axially fand `.angularlyv .spacedf clearance seats intowhich'ithetumblersi may recede `tobe "ireeloflthelseats lirit'herseat carrying mem-ber land ieaclnalsofhaving spacedtparallel grooves extendmglinitial-directionnffthe length thereof, means earrliedlbybne.ofthefmem-bers forsingly impart- Eifn'glaxial movement to the l selectors,v the selectors being -..angularly :adjustable l-to vdetermine 'the 'clearance seat for tumbler recession, and a spring lpressedfretention membery `for -eachf selector and '-errgageable iinwone -or 'the other of -said grooves .to -m''airlitainthe:angularV adjustment of-the selector Without impedingl'it axialA movement.

i110. vAicorribin'aticin` flock comprising operatively 4:connected frelatively -movable members, #a lillu-- VVriaIi'ity-xof spherical tumblers mounted Vin 'theo'ne and wengageable in seats -formed -in the other, fangularly A'and `axially#movable cross-'sectionally circularlselectors mounted 'in one :of said 'members and tangent Vtoit-he tumblers `to 'maintain' the ilatterinseatengaging position, theselec'tors each having ``axially and angularly spaced clearance sea-ts into which-the tumblersmay Vrecede tobe free of the seats n the seat carrying lmemberan'd 'eachlalso having spaced-parallel grooves 'extendngfinl the-direction `of the length thereof, means Jcarried by=one=of=said members for/singly imparting axial movementtothe selectors 'and engage- 'able infone fofV the 4*other ofsaid -grooves' to mainit'alinthef-angula'r-l adjustment ofthe Selector 'Withrout impedi-ng it axial movement,thegrooves'ijbeing-disposed onefdiametricallybpposite lone elearaincerseatiarid the-"other being positioned similarly With-'respect -to the other `clearance seat. 1

y ROSCOEE.

lR-EEERENCES CITED "The follovvingreferences are of record inthe 'file `of `this` patent2 UNITED STATES PATENTS Y v-Narxre Date Beck Mar. 26, 1929 

